Filing period begins for city, county, state, federal offices

WORLAND — Filing period for federal, state, county and local races begins today (Thursday).

Locally there are two Ward 1 four-year Worland City Council seats up, currently held by Adam Martinez, who was elected to a two-year term in 2020, and Barbara Brookwell, who was appointed to the council last year. Brookwell said this week she does plan to file to retain her seat.

There is one two-year term up on Ward 1 with Scott Schaeffer announcing last week that he has moved out of Ward 1 into Ward 2. He can remain on the council for one more month. The seat will be vacant the rest of the year as they city waits for the election process to fill the vacancy.

There is one four-year term up for election in Ward 2, currently held by Christy Schneider.

There are two Ward 3 four-year seats up currently held by Mike Neufer and Kreg Lombard. Neufer said he does plan on seeking another term on the council.

Other council members were contacted about whether they intend to file but no responses were received by press time.

All city races are non-partisan races with no political party declared by the candidates.

There are several openings at the county level, along with several retirements.

County Clerk Mary Grace Strauch and County Attorney John Worrall both said they will not be seeking re-election to their respective seats. Worrall indicated that Deputy County Attorney Tony Barton plans on filing for county attorney position.

County Treasurer Doris Kern is up for re-election and she said Monday she plans on seeking another term.

Both commissioners up for re-election, Terry Wolf and Fred Frandson, have indicated they plan to file for re-election.

County Assessor Nancy Quinn, who was appointed to her position last year after the retirement of Kathy Treanor, said she plans to seek election to the position.

Clerk of District Court Christy Schneider was appointed to her position and will need to run to retain the seat. No information on her intentions was received by press time.

The county sheriff position is also up for election. County Sheriff Steve Rakness said he would be making an announcement during or after the filing period.

Brad Horath, Worland Police sergeant, announced last month that he intends to file for the position.

All county races are partisan races with candidates required to declare a party affiliation when filing.

LEGISLATOR

At the legislative level, State Rep. Mike Greear with House District 27, announced earlier this year that he will be retiring from legislative service. Worland resident Martha Lawley announced in March that she intends to seek the position and will file for the Republican nomination.

STATE OFFICES

All top five elected officials at the state level are up for election this year. Governor Mark Gordon has indicated his intention to seek the Republican nomination and run for his second term.

He announced in April and in an article in the Casper Star-Tribune said, ““I do believe that Wyoming is the best place on the Earth bar none, and I believe Wyoming’s best days are ahead of it. And that’s because of you: the people of Wyoming.”

Rex Rammell announced last year that he intends to file for the nomination. Brent Bien announced earlier this year his intention to seek the position.

Secretary of State Ed Buchanan, Republican, has announced his plans to see a second term. He was originally appointed to the position in March 2018.

State Treasurer Curt Meier announced his intention to seek re-election, filing on the Republican ticket.

Wyoming State Auditor Kristi Racines is pursuing her second term in the role.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Schroeder was appointed earlier this year to the position. He has announced he plans to run for this position on the Republican ticket, making the announcement at the Park County Republican Party Convention in March.

Filing also begins for the U.S. House of Representatives. Harriet Hageman, who ran for governor four years ago, losing to Gordon in the primary, is seeking to unseat Rep. Liz Cheney.

Other candidates who have announced early include State Sen. Anthony Bouchard, Denton Knapp and Casey William Hardison, according to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

Constitution Party candidate Marissa Selvig has received her party’s nomination for the position and will be on the general election ballot.

The filing period for all offices runs through Friday, May 27.

The primary election is Aug. 16.

School district board members will be on the general election ballot with filing in August.